Generic Accessory Block for FS Guide Rail

[rmwarren]

Taking a poll here. There are a bunch of threads where someone has made a block or bracket to attach some homemade fixture or jig to their guide rails, I have done it a number of times myself.

My question is whether there is enough interest to justify having a bunch made up by a CNC machine shop? If a generic block/bracket was made from a hard plastic a person could then modify it as they needed for whatever use they have.

This is an example of a generic block that would precisely fit the groove in the FS rails and tighten down with a thumb screw:

[attachthumb=#]

As shown it is 60mm square and 17mm thick. The depth of the groove is sized so that the part that protrudes from the rail would line up with the bottom of the rail. From there they can be routed/drilled/tapped as needed to attach things like the Incra tracks, etc.

This is an example of a set I made for myself specifically to fit Incra tracks, this one is not quite as thick as the generic block I envision:

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The generic block would not have the groove or recess for the Incra track.

In a quantity of 200 pieces they would cost about $20 each including the thumb screw and tee nut. If there is enough interest I would be willing to have a batch made up. Let me know if you are interested.

Thanks,

RMW

 

[rookie08]

I'd be interested!

 

[Theshipstore]

I to have interest in some ( 2 pairs )

Sal

 

[builderbob]

I'm interested!  I see the ability to use as a parallel guide beyond the current 25" or so limit.

Bob

 

[Michael Kellough]

I'd want at least 1 pair (2 pieces).

 

[duburban]

I'd take 4 (aka 2 pair).

 

[bwiele]

I'm in for a pair.

 

[Jay Knoll]

One pair please!  If we get more interest (and collectively order significantly  more than 200) will the per unit price will drop?

Jay

 

[rmwarren]

Okay - looks like there is perhaps enough interest to kick this off.

As an alternative, I could have them made as a double, 120mm + long and still 60mm wide, with 2 holes for the knob/t-nut. Then you could also use them for attaching a router or some other tool. If you want the narrower block just chop it in 1/2 and you get 2 blocks just like the single.

[attachthumb=#]

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This would also bring the cost down somewhat.

Any preferences/suggestions?

RMW

 

[rmwarren]

One pair please!   If we get more interest (and collectively order significantly  more than 200) will the per unit price will drop?

Jay

200 pieces was the sweet spot, after that the cost only dropped a couple bucks even at 500 pieces. Not worth it.

RMW

 

[milton]

one pair for me

 

[duburban]

who makes the t track you have shown? I'd pay for the bracket to be ready to mount to that exact track.

 

[Lucky Dave]

2 pr for me

Also like Incra track special

 

[rmwarren]

who makes the t track you have shown? I'd pay for the bracket to be ready to mount to that exact track.

That is an Incra track.

The problem I have making the blocks specifically to fit an Incra track is that then rules out most other uses. My idea is that most woodworkers can modify a generic block themselves to fit whatever use they have in mind. This means instead of making several different versions of a block I can have only one and have them made in greater quantity. That is key to keeping costs down.

It is possible to make Incra specific blocks but I need to order 100 - 200 pieces to keep the costs < $20 each with the knobs and tee nuts. I am not sure there is enough demand on this board for that many Incra-specific pieces and before I can get approval form the boss (Mrs. RMW) to front the money I have to convince her that I can get rid of them all.

At this point these components are a hobby for me, a release for some of my pent up creativity, and I get to keep some for my own use. To go beyond that would entail actually setting up some business infrastructure, investing $$ and promoting this stuff beyond the FOG. Not sure I am prepared to take on that project.

Everything hinges on demand, the more interest there is the more confident I am to take the leap.

RMW

 

[penaddict]

1 pair for me too.
Thanks
Mike

 

[whitesys]

I would be interested in a pair.

 

[rmwarren]

Does anyone have a problem if I got with one large block that you can use as is or cut in half to get a pair of small blocks?

RMW

 

[GreenGA]

The only question I would toss out there is, would it make much of a difference, in use and functionality, to others if the blocks were a hair wider?

I ask because if one were to cut them in half, as you suggested earlier, then taking into account the kerf of a standard blade would allow the shorter, final pieces to come out at your original suggested width of 60mm...

This then directs one to ask if 120mm is good, would something wider be better, which would allow the end user even more flexibility.

Does anyone have a problem if I got with one large block that you can use as is or cut in half to get a pair of small blocks?

RMW

 

[GreenGA]

Oh, I forgot...

I'll will take a set of whatever is decided.

 

[Alan m]

im interested